Vote: If Pat-Med High Teacher Wins Cruise, District Gets $15K

A Norwegian Cruise Line competition could send a Patchogue-Medford High School teacher on a cruise—and $15,000 to the school district.

Brian O'Neill, who has taught math in the district since 1985, is vying for a cruise in Norwegian Cruise Line's "15 Teachers, 15 Gifts of Joy" competition.

O'Neill currently has 203 votes.

People were encouraged to nominate teachers who have a passion for spreading the joy of learning.

Here is O'Neill's nomination:

"He is the most dedicated teacher I have ever know he has taught math since 1974. In 2015 he was diagnosed with tongue cancer. They had to take out most of his tongue and rebuilt it with a piece of his leg and veins and arteries from his arm. He had to learn to eat and speak again but this did not keep him down. He had surgery in April and was back in the classroom in November. He was class advisor and did not let his kids down, he went to many events while he was recuperating. He is finally going to retire this June at 69 years old. This would be a well deserved trip for him ."

To vote, visit https://nclgivingjoy.com/votem...